What can a local search reveal about the house I am buying in Highgate?

Highgate conveyancing often starts with the ordering local authority searches directly from your local Authority or via a personal search company such as PSG The local search plays a central role in most Highgate conveyancing purchase; as long as you don’t want any unpleasant surprises after you move into your property. The search will reveal information on, amongst other things, details on planning applications relevant to the premises (whether granted or refused), building control history, any enforcement action, restrictions on permitted development, nearby road schemes, contaminated land and radon gas; in all a total of 13 topic areas.

How does conveyancing in Highgate differ for newly converted properties?

Most buyers of new build premises in Highgate come to us having been asked by the housebuilder to exchange contracts and commit to the purchase even before the residence is completed. This is because developers in Highgate tend to acquire the land, plan the estate and want to get the plots sold off as they are building the properties. Buyers, therefore, will have to exchange contracts without actually seeing the house they are buying. To reduce the chances of losing the property, buyers should instruct property lawyers as soon as the property is reserved and mortgage applications should be submitted quickly. Due to the fact that it could be several months and even years between exchange of contracts and completion, the mortgage offer may need to be extended. It would be wise to use a lawyer who specialises in new build conveyancing especially if they are accustomed to new build conveyancing in Highgate or who has acted in the same development.

Due to the input of my in-laws I had a survey completed on a property in Highgate in advance of retaining solicitors. I have been advised that there is a flying freehold element to the property. My surveyor has said that some banks will not give a loan on this type of house.

It varies from the lender to lender. Lloyds has different instructions for example to Nationwide. Should you wish to call us we can investigate further with the relevant bank. If you lender is happy to lend one our lawyers can help as they are accustomed to dealing with flying freeholds in Highgate. Conveyancing may be slightly more expensive based on your lender's requirements.

I am downsizing from my house. My former conveyancers closed down. I would be grateful for any recommendation of a conveyancing firm. Im based in Highgate if that makes things easier.

Do use our search tool to help you find a solicitor for your conveyancing in Highgate. We have connected thousands of home buyers and sellers with lender approved solicitors to ensure that the legalities of their house move runs with a minimum of fuss.

I am attracted to a two apartments in Highgate which have approximately fifty years unexpired on the leases. should I be concerned?

There are plenty of short leases in Highgate. The lease is a legal document that entitles you to use the property for a period of time. As a lease shortens the saleability of the lease decreases and results in it becoming more expensive to extend the lease. This is why it is advisable to extend the lease term. More often than not it is difficult to sell a property with a short lease because mortgage lenders may be unwilling to lend money on such properties. Lease extension can be a protracted process. We recommend you seek professional help from a conveyancer and surveyor with experience in this area.

I own a first floor flat in Highgate. In the absence of agreement between myself and the freeholder, can the Leasehold valuation Tribunal determine the sum due for the purchase of the freehold?

if there is a absentee landlord or where there is dispute about the premium for a lease extension, under the Leasehold Reform, Housing and Urban Development Act 1993 you can apply to the LVT to judgment on the price.

An example of a Lease Extension matter before the tribunal for a Highgate property is Flat 2A 19 Shepherds Hill in June 2014. The tribunal concluded in accordance with section 48 and schedule 13 of the Leasehold Reform,Housing and Urban Development Act (the 1993 Act) that the premium payable in respect of the grant of a new lease for the Flat be £24,303 (twenty four thousand three hundred and three pounds) This case related to 1 flat. The unexpired term was 67.85 years.